FOWLR stocking order- Stocking Compromises 5/7/08
Thank you in advance for your help.
<We're happy to be of service. Scott F. in tonight!>
Your site has been invaluable for me in setting up my tank. I have just set up a 180 gal FOWLR tank with 200lbs LR, Euro Reef RS180 skimmer, 2 X Tuneze 6060 Stream pumps. I would appreciate your opinion about selection and stocking order of the following: Flame Hawkfish, Yellow Tang, Auriga BF, Longnose BF, Hippo Tang and Passer Angel.
<Well, first of all, although you have chosen an interesting array of fish, I'd be hesitant to stock your aquarium with all of them. I'd make some compromises here. In particular, I would only go with one of the Tangs, and one of the Butterflies. I'd recommend the Yellow Tang and the Longnose Butterfly. The Hippo simply gets huge, and really requires an even larger aquarium than the one you have to live a long and healthy life. I'd also pass on he full size Passer Angelfish. It's another fish that gets very large and requires an equally large aquarium. Really, to accommodate the entire collection that you contemplate, it will require an aquarium of hundreds of gallons, and at least 8 feet in length. If you really want to have an Angelfish, I'd definitely select a Centropyge (dwarf) Angelfish, which will have a smaller need for physical space than the Passer. In stocking, it's all about compromises, so please keep this in mind and you'll be successful with your aquarium! Good luck! Regards, Scott F.>

Compatible fish? FOWLR 05/02/2008
Hi WWM crew
<<Hello, Andrew today>>
I'm going to setup a 50 gallon saltwater FOWLR tank with separate trickle filter sump, protein skimmer and T5 lighting. The fish I want to keep in it are:
1.Coral Beauty
2.Long Nosed Butterfly fish
3. Royal Gramma
Would these fish all be able to live happily in the tank?
Would any other fish be able to live in it as well
<<All the above fish would be fine in that aquarium. Any further purchases should be peaceful inhabitants like Goby, clown or blenny>>
Thanks a lot, Dean
<<Thanks for the questions, hope this helps. A Nixon>

Re: I Need A Quiet External Pump For My New 120g FOWLR System (Livestock Plan) – 04/29/08
Thank you so much Eric for all your help.
<<Is my pleasure>>
I feel so much better about my pump concerns and plan to go with the Eheim.
<<An excellent choice>>
I also feel better about my LFS because of your comments.
<<Ah, good>>
I understand what pressures they're dealing with to keep alive,
<<Indeed…>>
but I don't want to be stuck with buying inferior equipment either,
<< Sadly, cheap and inferior seems easier (too easy?) to sell. I know it’s easy for me to say, but…even though more expensive, beginning hobbyists might be more successful; and save a little money in the long run due to replacement, if offered and urged to by quality functioning gear from the start. One should at least have options/choices available if they’ve done their homework and wish to be more discerning in their selections>>
so I'll continue to support them as much as I can because I don't want to buy my livestock via mail order.
<<The dollar savings from buying off the NET are very small usually, once you factor in shipping (less than $10 difference in my dealings and with “my” LFS), while the advantages of buying your livestock through an LFS you trust can be many>>
So I'll do my best to keep them in business!
<<Very good>>
Speaking of livestock, you helped me solve my equipment problem, but what I thought was a good livestock plan sounds not so great by your comments.
<<Yes…in fact I “strongly disagree” with some aspects your plan as originally presented>>
I seriously was taking the list from Michael Paletta's book, "The New Marine Aquarium".
<<And much fine information to be found there…but we have a difference of opinions re stocking selection/densities>>
It was the list for the 75 gal tank (I believe),
<<Making it even more disagreeable to me>>
so thought if that was good, then a 120 should be "under stocked".
<<Not with a “pair” of Paracanthurus hepatus>>
My two fish that I currently have in my 20 gal is the Tomato clown and the Green Mandarin (which I'm keeping fat and happy with frozen Cyclops, live and frozen brine shrimp and now I'm culturing copepods until my new refugium is up and running) - sorry - she was an impulse buy - my fault for not researching
<<Yes…[grin]>>
and another LFS which I no longer frequent said was easy to care for and fine for a 20gal
<<An all too common tale>>
- but I take personal responsibility and am working hard to keep her happy.
<<Very well>>
So I do need to build my list around them, and knowing that the Tomato's reputation is that they don't always play nice in the sandbox,
<<Pretty much true for all the Clownfishes. And ironically… In more than three decades in the hobby (and including a brief stint working the retail side), clownfish species are the only fish to have ever “drawn blood” from me while working in the tank>>
I'm hoping to come up with a good livestock list to go with him. I would like to keep the list as reef safe as possible in case I want to add "easy" corals at a later date.
<<I see>>
I love to watch them flow with the water movement - it's mesmerizing and relaxing. Is there a good suggested list to begin with knowing my starting point?
<<Many choices… But what do “you” like? Best to start with a list of desired fishes and then research them individually for compatibility and suitability to your system>>
I've read for many hours on all the different types of fish and invertebrates (Bob and Anthony's Reef Invertebrates is a great book).
<<Agreed>>
I thought I had a good handle on the list until now. The recommended list was: 2 Yellow Tail Blue Hippo Tangs; which you said was too many for that tank and one was even pushing it.
<<I did, yes>>
I found from reading that these didn't grow as large
<<Mmm…where did you read this I wonder?>>
as the yellow and purple's and the powder blue, so thought that was why he was recommending them and that they got along better as a pair compared to other tangs.
<<I don’t recommend a pair of “any” Tang/Surgeonfish from the same species for your tank…and most certainly not Paracanthurus hepatus. This fish grows LARGER and more robust than the two Zebrasoma and one Acanthurus species you mention (to 12” in the wild>>. And in my opinion/experience, is one of the more high-strung and easily damaged (socially/psychologically) tang species…suffering terribly from just being “raised up” in a “too small” system>>
So you're vote is no for a 120g.
<<Yes…better choices available>>
Any similar type fish that you would recommend - I'm for long term survival - I cry when any fish die - that's just me.
<<Though I stated I don’t recommend a pair from the same species (or genera, for that matter) for your tank…I do think you could get away with two from “differing” genera, with some though to selection and introduction. The Yellow or Purple Tang would be a fine Zebrasoma choice for the 120…and among Acanthurus species I think A. japonicus (White-Faced or Gold-Rimmed Tang) or A. pyroferus (Chocolate or Mimic Tang) are good choices…you could also choose one of the smaller Ctenochaetus species if you wish like C. strigosus (Kole Tang)>>
7 Blue Green Chromis; these are ok?
<<These are considered a more “docile” Damsel species, and are always a popular choice for a “schooling” fish…but with the exception of very large tanks (several hundred gallons and more), I don’t really recall any instances where the subordinate individuals didn’t all just “disappear” until only one or two specimens were left. As such, it is hard for me to recommend these. If you decide to give them a go, I do recommend no more than five for your tank>>
I like to watch the schooling – if not any other suggestions?
<<Either Sphaeramia nematoptera (PJ or Pajama Cardinal) or Apogon leptacanthus (Threadfin or Longspine Cardinal) would be more successful re…in my opinion. And again…no more than five either species>>
1 Coral Beauty Angelfish; You said these are difficult to keep
<<Many come in “damaged” from collection/shipping>>
- so odd that he recommends for a beginner
<<Differences of opinion…though they can be very hardy/long-lived if a “healthy” specimen can be obtained and acclimates well>>
- what about other angelfish?
<<Ah well, my personal fave Centropyge species is C. loricula (Flame Angel). These are gorgeous fish that do well in captive settings…and the best choice here I think>>
1 Longnose Hawkfish, 3 Banggai Cardinal fish, you said these would likely end up as a pair.
<<Yes>>
Why? Because one would be killed off??
<<Indirectly…through stress, yes>>
Then I only want to start with two...so these are better as pairs or more than 3?
<<Results are much like those of the Chromis... And just purchasing a “pair” can be difficult as differences between sexes are not readily apparent (the male has a more angular head and a longer second dorsal fin)>>
I want to add the Long-Spine Urchin because of the relationship they have with the cardinals
<<Mmm…more as juveniles than adults>>
- similar to the clown and the anemone but urchins are hopefully hardier than the anemones.
<<Diadema sp Urchins can get quite large…and in my experience can be destructive in a reef system...but the choice is yours>>
Any other suggestions? The more I read, the more I get nervous that I may mix Pacific fish with Atlantic and so on and really do want what's best for the fish.
<<Do look up your choices/selections on fishbase.org. This site is very useful for determining locale/origin… and for determining adult “size” of the fishes you are thinking of keeping>>
Any suggestions for other invertebrates with these suggestions for a beginner?
<<Hmm…the Hawkfish will make adding shrimp difficult as they may be preyed upon…but do consider some detritus feeding snails like Nassarius sp and maybe a Brittle Starfish or two>>
I wouldn't mind starting off with a known successful mix rather than trial and error by killing off perfectly helpless fish.
<<Nothing is a guarantee…even “my” selections [big grin]>>
I've read the article on Steven Pro's 55 gal setup http://www.pmas.org/pro/
<<Ah yes, and do note how the tank is NOT filled up with rock…>>
but wish he would update us with his new 120 gal so I can see how he stocked it.
<<Why not ask him to do so (http://forum.marinedepot.com/Forum14-1.aspx)>>
Do you know what he ended up doing?
<<I’m afraid I don’t>>
He had a Maroon Clownfish-Premnas biaculeatus an Orange Tail Fiji Damsel-Chrysiptera cyanea, an Algae Blenny-Salarias fasciatus and a Yellow Tang-Zebrasoma flavescens in the 55 gal. My tomato has been with me since 2004 and has been playing nice with the mandarin who has been with me for over 6 mos. I couldn't find any sample combination lists in the FAQ sections, only very nice write ups on the individual species. Any help or direction you can point me to would be absolutely great.
<<I hope I have done so>>
I have plenty of time, my new tank has to cycle for a few months, but need to get my plan going so I know when to introduce my tomato - before or after the others to help keep the fighting to a minimum. I want a happy tank! Thanks so much Eric for all your help!
<<Quite welcome>>
Sorry my email is so long
<<No worries>>
- hopefully it gives you the info you need though to help me out!
Jean
<<Species selection is a serious process but is also part of the fun of system setup. Do keep reading/researching, and feel free to discuss with/bounce your selections off me if you wish. Regards, Eric Russell>>
 

My New In-Wall FOWLR System! – 04/21/08 Hello everyone at WWM!! <<Hi there, Art!>> I am currently in the final planning stages of setting up my 125G "in-wall" tank (picture attached). <<Neat…though speaking from experience (my current system is my second “in-wall” system), I think you will find you wished you put some access doors above the tank on the “front” side. Keeping the front glass clean from “behind” is a real pain…and may even become impossible if corals are kept/grow large>> The R/O water is currently mixing in the tank with the salt and 135 lbs of live rock will be arriving on Thursday. <<Mmm, a lot of rock…do think to keep an “open” design to allow the fishes room to swim>> I also have a 55G corner tank with live rock, which was cycled with a protein skimmer and water changes about a year ago (still do periodic water changes). After the tank was cycled I read some information that makes me question how I should cycle this larger tank. <<Oh?>> For my corner tank I ran my skimmer from the moment the rock was introduced, but I read somewhere (I know it's not very helpful when I can't recall from where.... but now it's at the back of my head) that the protein skimmer shouldn't be turned on until your ammonia levels sky-rocket. <<I disagree…it is my opinion/preference to run the skimmer from day-1. Letting Ammonia and Nitrite levels “sky-rocket” as you say only further harms the emergent life on the rock>> I don't know if this is correct or not, but to me, it doesn't seem very beneficial to all of the microorganisms that make their home in the rock. <<Indeed…macro-organisms too>> I will also be adding some rock from my sump/fuge along with that "bacteria in a bottle". What is your opinion about cycling a tank with the protein skimmer at onset? <<Is my preference to do so>> Now here is my other question. I have neglected, or better yet put aside, my stocking list for this tank, because of all of the issues associated with carpentry, plumbing, and everyday hassles that come with building a new tank. <<I see…and is understandable. But do give this aspect of the planning process its due diligence>> From the beginning I knew it was going to be a FOWLR tank, my 55G Reef has cute small fish that get along with coral, but until recently I have decided to keep more aggressive larger fish in the 125G since I now have space for them. <<Mmm…better than the 55g for sure>> Here goes: 1 Humu Humu Trigger 1 Niger Trigger <<Even at 125-gallons, this tank is not really big enough for this fish in the long-term…and your stock-list should be with consideration for the long-term>> 1 Volitans -or- Radiata Lionfish <<Not a good choice with the triggers>> 1 Lyretail Wrasse <<Would do better as a trio (a male and two females) in my opinion>> 1 Yellow Tang 2 Maroon Clowns <<These will likely claim a good-size portion of the tank as their own>> OK. So this is my dream list. I have a friend that has successfully kept a Niger and Humu in the same (150 G) tank for about a year with no problems, <<A “year “ is neither “long-term” nor a measurement of “success”>> but as I have read these fish aren't very predictable in the temperament department, so I know it's not a guarantee. <<Will be trouble sooner or later…for sure>> Seeing as how all of these fish are aggressive, I think it's a gamble either way to go with one or the other, but I would like to hear an expert’s opinion. <<Aggressive fishes or not…you can’t just lump any species together and hope for the best. Compatibility is still an issue…and “just” getting along or just “existing” in the same tank will manifest in social and health issues. I recommend you pick a “show fish” you would like and that is suitable to your tank size and then research/build a stock-list of “suitable tankmates” around this fish>> As for the Lionfish, I much prefer the look and size of the Radiata to the Volitans, but from what I've seen at LFS they are not as easy to come by. <<Can likely be “ordered”>> What do you recommend? <<Volitans is “my” favorite (the black color phase), but go with your fave…just not with the triggers>> Do you think the Maroons would be able to hold their own in this tank? <<A very aggressive Clownfish species…if not small enough to be swallowed…likely, yes>> I currently have a Maroon in "time out" aka my sump/fuge because what was once a pretty friendly going fish, turned into a big bully from one day to the next. <<Not atypical>> I would most likely introduce the clown fish first, to give them the alpha seat, and then the other more aggressive fish at the same time, if you approve of my list. <<You have my opinions thus>> I have a Skimmer rated for 250G because I know larger fish are pretty messy eaters. <<Yes, I see it…looks to be a Berlin HOT skimmer. These can work “fair”…but usually need continual fiddling/adjustment…I would opt for a better and more efficient make/model. I also see you have installed check-valves on your pump return lines...a source of trouble. Best to design the plumbing such that these devices are not necessary>> If there is any more room in this tank I would like to put some smaller (about the same size or smaller as the maroons) aggressive "dither" fish to add some contrast and bring out the larger fish, but if I'm overstocked already then I'll just stop now. <<Mmm…not so much overstocked as mis-stocked>> Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer my question! <<Is my pleasure to share>> Your site really is a godsend! <<A collective effort…we’re happy you find it of use>> Art Perez, 20 California <<Eric Russell…South Carolina>>

Re: My New In-Wall FOWLR System! – 04/23/08 Thanks for the quick reply, <<Quite welcome Art…and thank you for writing back as it gives me the opportunity to correct a mistake I made during our previous correspondence which I will explain shortly>> I am taking your advice and have decided not to add the Niger or the Lionfish. <<For the best…considering>> I love the shape and color of the Lyretail Wrasse, so having 3 sounds like a good idea to me! Will I have enough room in the long run? If so, my only problem regarding this species is being able to find females. Do I just purchase 3 similar sized specimens and hope they are all females and the dominant one becomes male? <<This is where I made an error in my reading of your previous query, Art. My eyes saw you had written Lyretail Wrasse, but my brain processed Lyretail “Anthias.” Even if three of this Thalassoma species of wrasse were to get along (not a likely occurrence), your 125g tank is too small for three very aggressive, foot-long, fast-movers. My apologies for the error>> I have made some revisions to my list. Here goes: 2 Maroon Clowns 1 Purple Pseudochromis 1 Yellow Tang 3 Lunare Wrasse <<Should be amended to ‘1’>> 3 Yellowtail Damsels 1 Snowflake Eel Do you think an angel of either Annularis or Imperator would be a good "show fish" for this tank? Or would it be harassed by the Tang and the wrasse? <<Spectacular fishes for sure…and either one would be “King Fish” in this tank…but either one would require a tank at least double the size of yours in the long term. Best to keep looking for another “show fish”>> As for the order I was thinking of putting the clowns, Pseudochromis, and damsels in at the same time, and let them establish themselves. <<Probably fine>> Then put the eel and the Angel, (if suitable) and finally add the wrasses and the tang. Should the order be altered? <<Since the Angel is out (at least these two species), the Thalassoma Lunare should go in last>> Thanks in advance!! <<Always welcome… And again…sorry for the earlier mis-communication. EricR>>

My New In-Wall FOWLR System! – 04/21/08 Hello everyone at WWM!! <<Hi there, Art!>> I am currently in the final planning stages of setting up my 125G "in-wall" tank (picture attached). <<Neat…though speaking from experience (my current system is my second “in-wall” system), I think you will find you wished you put some access doors above the tank on the “front” side. Keeping the front glass clean from “behind” is a real pain…and may even become impossible if corals are kept/grow large>> The R/O water is currently mixing in the tank with the salt and 135 lbs of live rock will be arriving on Thursday. <<Mmm, a lot of rock…do think to keep an “open” design to allow the fishes room to swim>> I also have a 55G corner tank with live rock, which was cycled with a protein skimmer and water changes about a year ago (still do periodic water changes). After the tank was cycled I read some information that makes me question how I should cycle this larger tank. <<Oh?>> For my corner tank I ran my skimmer from the moment the rock was introduced, but I read somewhere (I know it's not very helpful when I can't recall from where.... but now it's at the back of my head) that the protein skimmer shouldn't be turned on until your ammonia levels sky-rocket. <<I disagree…it is my opinion/preference to run the skimmer from day-1. Letting Ammonia and Nitrite levels “sky-rocket” as you say only further harms the emergent life on the rock>> I don't know if this is correct or not, but to me, it doesn't seem very beneficial to all of the microorganisms that make their home in the rock. <<Indeed…macro-organisms too>> I will also be adding some rock from my sump/fuge along with that "bacteria in a bottle". What is your opinion about cycling a tank with the protein skimmer at onset? <<Is my preference to do so>> Now here is my other question. I have neglected, or better yet put aside, my stocking list for this tank, because of all of the issues associated with carpentry, plumbing, and everyday hassles that come with building a new tank. <<I see…and is understandable. But do give this aspect of the planning process its due diligence>> From the beginning I knew it was going to be a FOWLR tank, my 55G Reef has cute small fish that get along with coral, but until recently I have decided to keep more aggressive larger fish in the 125G since I now have space for them. <<Mmm…better than the 55g for sure>> Here goes: 1 Humu Humu Trigger 1 Niger Trigger <<Even at 125-gallons, this tank is not really big enough for this fish in the long-term…and your stock-list should be with consideration for the long-term>> 1 Volitans -or- Radiata Lionfish <<Not a good choice with the triggers>> 1 Lyretail Wrasse <<Would do better as a trio (a male and two females) in my opinion>> 1 Yellow Tang 2 Maroon Clowns <<These will likely claim a good-size portion of the tank as their own>> OK. So this is my dream list. I have a friend that has successfully kept a Niger and Humu in the same (150 G) tank for about a year with no problems, <<A “year “ is neither “long-term” nor a measurement of “success”>> but as I have read these fish aren't very predictable in the temperament department, so I know it's not a guarantee. <<Will be trouble sooner or later…for sure>> Seeing as how all of these fish are aggressive, I think it's a gamble either way to go with one or the other, but I would like to hear an expert’s opinion. <<Aggressive fishes or not…you can’t just lump any species together and hope for the best. Compatibility is still an issue…and “just” getting along or just “existing” in the same tank will manifest in social and health issues. I recommend you pick a “show fish” you would like and that is suitable to your tank size and then research/build a stock-list of “suitable tankmates” around this fish>> As for the Lionfish, I much prefer the look and size of the Radiata to the Volitans, but from what I've seen at LFS they are not as easy to come by. <<Can likely be “ordered”>> What do you recommend? <<Volitans is “my” favorite (the black color phase), but go with your fave…just not with the triggers>> Do you think the Maroons would be able to hold their own in this tank? <<A very aggressive Clownfish species…if not small enough to be swallowed…likely, yes>> I currently have a Maroon in "time out" aka my sump/fuge because what was once a pretty friendly going fish, turned into a big bully from one day to the next. <<Not atypical>> I would most likely introduce the clown fish first, to give them the alpha seat, and then the other more aggressive fish at the same time, if you approve of my list. <<You have my opinions thus>> I have a Skimmer rated for 250G because I know larger fish are pretty messy eaters. <<Yes, I see it…looks to be a Berlin HOT skimmer. These can work “fair”…but usually need continual fiddling/adjustment…I would opt for a better and more efficient make/model. I also see you have installed check-valves on your pump return lines...a source of trouble. Best to design the plumbing such that these devices are not necessary>> If there is any more room in this tank I would like to put some smaller (about the same size or smaller as the maroons) aggressive "dither" fish to add some contrast and bring out the larger fish, but if I'm overstocked already then I'll just stop now. <<Mmm…not so much overstocked as mis-stocked>> Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer my question! <<Is my pleasure to share>> Your site really is a godsend! <<A collective effort…we’re happy you find it of use>> Art Perez, 20 California <<Eric Russell…South Carolina>>

FOWLR/Compatibility 4/17/08
Hello--
<Hi Tom>
Let me first off state that your website is a terrific resource. The volume of information is almost overwhelming!
<Thank you.>
I have a 75 gal reef tank that has been set up for about four years. For the most part its inhabitants have thrived, although I have quite a bubble algae problem on my hands. A few months ago my wife and I honeymooned in Kauai, and after returning home and thinking about it I decided I would like a long-term reminder of that trip. So I am planning on getting rid of the reef tank and constructing a FOWLR tank.
It will be sad to say goodbye to the corals but I am pretty sure this is the direction I want long-term.
I was planning on buying a new tank anyway, one with a built-in overflow, so one question is in regards to tank size. The fish I would like to keep include a Rectangular Trigger, a Raccoon Butterfly, a Dragon Wrasse, and a tang or two. I currently have a Blue Hippo tang in the reef tank and would like to keep it as I'm quite partial to it. Ideally I would also keep one Yellow Tang or one Convict Tang. Which would you recommend in this setup (or neither)?
<Both the Dragon Wrasse and the Trigger are aggressive fish, they could be kept together but I wouldn't chance putting the tangs in there with them. As for the tangs, I'd go with a Yellow Tang, will give more color to the system and should get along well with the Hippo. Do add them  at the same time.>
So am I missing any compatibility problems with these fish? What size tank will I need?
<With the tangs, I'd go with at least a 125 gallon tank and go for length and width rather than height. The same would hold true for triggerfish and the Dragon Wrasse.>
I know it would be out of place, but I have always loved lionfish. If I added one of them, what size tank would it need to be?
<The above will work fine.>
Finally, are there any species of coral that would likely survive? Everything seems to point to "no", but I am hoping there might be an exception that you are aware of.
<I would not, the Dragon Wrasse is very adept at moving rock and pieces of rock landing on corals would lead to their demise. Triggerfish have the habit of looking under rocks for tidbits also, but do not have quite the rearranging skills of a Dragon Wrasse. Do search/read on our site on fish you have in mind before making any decisions, make sure compatibility and requirements can be met.>
Thank you so much for the help. Have a great week.
<Thank you. James (Salty Dog)>
Sincerely,
Tom

Inverts... title please... sel.  04/11/2008
Hello
<<Hi, Andrew today>>
I have a 72 gallon FOWLR tank.
My stocking list looks like this:
2 Ocellaris clowns
1 Blue-green Chromis
1 Royal Gramma
1 Neon goby
1 Yellow tang
1 Scott's fairy wrasse
1 Flame Angel
1 Black brittle star
2 cleaner shrimp
30 Nassarius snails
5 Cerith snails
I still have not purchased the wrasse or angel for my tank yet.
<<I would suggest you don't have anymore room for more fish>>
Fishwise my tank is pretty stocked and lately I've become interested in the inverts for my tank. I have been looking to add some but I am starting to get worried that I might overload the tank or worse off starve them to death as I do not like to overfeed my fish. I am looking to add 3 camel shrimp, an urchin (probably a pincushion) an emerald crab for my hair algae and a pink sandsifting cucumber. Would this be to much for my tank?
<<I would add all besides the cucumber, its personal preference, but i have seen too many tanks go bad because of an issue with these, and to me, its not worth the risk. With regards to feeding / bioload...Its all fine, you should not experience any issues>>
Thanks, Adam Law
<<Hope this helps, thanks for the questions. A Nixon>>

Mixing Wrasse In FOWLR…other stocking questions 3/31/08
Hi guys,
<<Hello Brian.>>
Got a quick question that I hope you can help me out with.
<<I will try.>>
I have a 72 gallon FOWLR. Currently in the tank include 2 ocellaris clowns, a yellow tang (3 inch), and 2 scarlet shrimp. A mystery wrasse 2.5 inch (Pseudocheilinus mysterii) was added last week. I wanted to add a few more wrasses but wanted to confirm compatibility. My LFS has a great looking Laboutei wrasse (Cirrhilabrus laboutei) and blue flasher wrasse, can those two be added together safely with my current stocking list?
<<In all honesty, with one established wrasse, and considering the overall volume of the aquarium I would not.>>
My plans to finish the tank will probably include a dwarf flame angel and possibly an Auriga butterfly.
<<Skip the butterfly.>>
Thanks in advance for you advice,
~ Brian
<<Adam J.>>